Virtual Machine Setup

For class we'll try to do a default load of CentOS. Some of the questions the installer asks are not so obvious. Here's my notes on the load.

  • Navigating in the installer. Tab, tab, tab to pick different fields. Space bar selects. Arrow keys work, too.
  • Language, keyboard - English, US.
  • Type of media? HTTP (We're getting our packages over the internet from a mirror server).
  • Configure TCP/IP? select Manual IPv4 configuration. Disable IPv6.
  • Do a nslookup or dig to find the IP address of your vm. Of course, look up *YOUR* vm. 
    -bash-3.2$ nslookup cslvm48
Server:         129.65.51.143
Address:        129.65.51.143#53

Name:   cslvm48.csc.calpoly.edu
Address: 129.65.156.48
  • Enter network info
    • IPv4 Address: 129.65.156.XXX (your ip)/255.255.255.0
    • Gateway: 129.65.156.250
    • Name Server: 129.65.16.254 (moe.calpoly.edu, ITS' DNS server for campus)
  • HTTP Setup
    • Web site name: mirrors.calpoly.edu
    • CentOS directory: centos/5/os/x86_64
    • You can use any mirror. Open a mirror in a browser, copy the server name and the path from what the browser displays.
    • If you're sure you're typing this correctly and it doesn't work, go back and double check your network setup. An error there will mess this up.
  • You should see the anaconda installer start, and a "Welcome to CentOS" dialog.
  • Partitioning type
    • Just take the defaults. Look at it if you want. Yes, you're sure, answer yes. No, really, you're sure, answer yes.
    • It says something about needing swap space, I need to write these changes now, say yes.
  • Bootloader, use GRUB.
    • Special bootloader options, leave blank.
    • GRUB password, leave blank (don't need one)
    • Use Grub with other operating systems, whatever, hit OK
    • Where to install GRUB? Use default, the MBR slice (/dev/sda)
  • Configure network, yes. (Most of what you already typed should still be here...)
    • Hit ok a couple of times. You don't really need a secondary DNS server now.
    • Host name, the installer looked up your IP address and got your name. It should be correct.
  • Time zone, pick Los Angeles
  • Root password, pick a good one. We can change it later or reset it if you forget.
  • Package selection. We don't have much room. For class purposes, deselect "Desktop - Gnome", pick "Server". We can add more cool stuff later.

That should be about it... The install process should proceed from here. Go get some coffee. It'll take 10? minutes. Reboot it when done.

On first boot, it'll start the setup tool. You don't really need to any of this now, you can skip this. (It'll time out on its own).

Log in as root, with the password you entered. Look around a bit.

Congratulations, you're the proud parent of a linux box.

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© 2009 Gregory L. Porter.